The Prosumer Blog

By Janet Paleo 30 Sep, 2023
I enjoy watching TV shows that depict home, family, and friendship dynamics. I have a fondness for mushy holiday movies and shows like "Friends," "Little House on the Prairie," and "The Waltons." Mysteries also captivate me, as characters embark on quests to uncover clues and solve crimes. Often, I find myself yearning to experience the kind of fun and adventures portrayed on TV. The characters on these shows are depicted as vibrant and outgoing, frequently meeting up with friends for coffee or tea, engaging in thrilling escapades. They dance, sing, and throw spontaneous parties with gusto. Dressing up in various costumes and organizing theme parties, like a recent episode where they learned a Swedish dance and savored Swedish cuisine, brings them boundless joy. Yet, I recognize that these shows are scripted and the actors excel at their roles. While I'm aware that this is a fictional world, I can't help but desire to be a part of it. However, as I contemplated further, I realized that none of the characters were ever portrayed as simply watching TV. At most, there might be a glimpse of someone playing a video game, with any TV-watching scenes usually segueing into romantic moments. The characters don't actually watch TV shows themselves, as that would be uninteresting and nonsensical. This realization underscored the contrast between my life and the scripted narratives on screen. Delving deeper into my thoughts, I pondered whether my life is genuinely uneventful or if it merely appears mundane when compared to the scripted drama I consume. While I might not spontaneously burst into dance or attend frequent parties, I do engage in singing and embark on exciting adventures. So, why am I longing for what I see on TV? This introspection led me to an insight: it's not the activities themselves that I'm missing, but rather the sense of familiarity, community, and human connection that the characters enjoy. TV shows excel in portraying these bonds between people. This is why I hold a special affinity for Prosumer meetings. These gatherings feel like family reunions to me. Given that I don't have a close relationship with my biological family, I've chosen to regard the people I meet at these gatherings as my chosen family. I cherish the uniqueness of each individual, appreciating them for who they are. Unfortunately, due to work commitments, I often have to miss these meetings, leaving me yearning for the connections I've established with my chosen family. These friends, with whom I share laughter and memorable moments, fill the void and make me feel truly alive. Prosumers often emphasize the idea of life extending beyond our own minds. When we're confined within our thoughts, we might exist but not truly live. Similarly, being inside a TV show might be entertaining, but it doesn't equate to a genuine experience of life. Much like how negative self-talk can plague our thoughts, TV shows can perpetuate an unrealistic image of life. The truth is that life flourishes in the presence of others. It's not always about novelty and excitement; it's about the potential for both. Life isn't always cozy and familiar, yet it can be. What's certain is that life is never devoid of meaning. If it feels dull, it's likely because we're either stuck in our own heads or immobilized in front of screens. Recognizing this, I am committed to making a change. I'm determined to forge stronger connections, to truly live my life. I will venture out, engage in activities, and seize the opportunity to be a participant rather than a spectator. Perhaps, someday, those scriptwriters might find inspiration in my journey to live life to its fullest!

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 Phone Numbers to Talk

Hope Center Bilingual Peer Warm Line!   844-755-4673
12-10 pm M-F,  9 am– 2 pm Saturday 
 
Tarrant County Peer Warm Line
 8 am - 5 pm M - F

English  817-546-7826
Spanish  817-546-7827

988 New Crisis Line. Note your call may not stay in Texas. When you call, it may take a moment as they try to connect you to the nearest Center. There are five 988 Centers in Texas. If they can’t connect you to one in Texas, they will route your call out of state/

Prosumer Poetry Recital

If so, get out your best work and come celebrate May Mental Health Month with an online Poetry extravaganza!!

What: Prosumer Poetry Recital
When: May 20, 2024
Time: 5 pm—7 pm
Where:
Virtual on Zoom


 To Register as a Poet:
Click Here 
 

Top prize: $50.00
2nd Prize: $30.00
3rd Prize: $10.00


All poets wishing to participate must register by May 17, 2024 so we can prepare the ballots.

Welcome to our Website

 
Who is a Prosumer?
 
A Prosumer is someone who gives back to the community and 
is proactive in their recovery! 
 
Our Mission
 
Create an environment where people are challenged and 
supported to find their power, as only Prosumers can!

Our Vision
 
A world where people courageously grow and realize their dreams.


Many people will find recovery accidentally.
We believe that recovery should be on purpose.
Empowering people with lived experience 
of mental health services to achieve recovery!

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Prosumer Meetings

Prosumers hold monthly meetings based on topics of how to live life in spite of challenges we have been living with. While support happens at the meetings, we are not a traditional support meeting. We hold empowerment meetings to give people the tools on how to live life!! RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE!!

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Prosumer Radio

Our radio station, Prosumer emPowerment Radio, the PPR is an online empowerment station available 24/7 with songs which have been chosen because they have positive "I" statement songs within the song. When listening or singing the songs, you are training your brain to look for what is possible. Also on the station are empowerment quotes, gratitude lists and stories of courage.
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Prosumer Newsletters

The Prosumer News is a publication designed to keep you in touch with articles to empower you and inspire you to live a full life. Additionally, you will find upcoming events, news information which may be helpful.     We also accept articles from Prosumers who share their inspiring views. We do reserve the right to edit as needed. Click below to read our current issue of the Prosumer News.
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Or Send Us a Message

For Prosumers with Criminal Justice Involvement, we have complied a list of employers who hire people with this background. Click here. While this list was created for the Houston area, many are national employers who may also follow the same guidelines. 
Thanks Heather!

Self Advocacy  Training


This is a self paced, online course to learn about your rights in a public mental health system, learn some assertiveness tips and who to contact if you need assistance in navigating the system. / About1.5 hours CEUs available for Peers certified under TCB. This course is Free.




Self Advoacacy

Advocacy for Others


This self-paced online course will teach you how to advocate for others. Learn what to do and how to do it so that you are truly representing the wish of the person you are working with.   About1.5 hours CEUs available for Peers certified under TCB. This course is Free.




Advocacy for Others

Basic Systemic Advocacy


Your life is significantly impacted by the legislative system in Texas. Learn what the legislative system is and how toto communicate effectively with that system. A self paced online course of about 7 hours hours CEUs available for Peers certified under TCB. This course is Free.



Basic Advocacy

Advanced Systemic Advocacy


Continue your training from Basic into the Advanced course. Learn how to testify, work with legislators, change policies and more.  A self=paced lone course of about 8 hours. EEUS available for Peers certified under TCB. This course is Free.





Advanced Advocacy
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